Bicycle Accidents

Over 30,000 people die each year in auto accidents. Approximately 1 in 40 are bicyclists. Sadly, many are children under the age of 18. A majority of cycle accidents result in broken bones, head trauma and catastrophic injury. Despite traffic laws and designated bike lanes, many motor vehicle drivers do not respect or are not aware of the bicyclists’ rights to share the road. Often times, a bicycle accident results from a motorist’s negligence or inattentiveness while operating his or her vehicle. Vehicle drivers often turn directly in front of or in the path of the bicyclist. Drivers fail to yield at the intersection to the cyclist. Drivers often run red lights and stop signs or fails to look both ways before proceeding. The driver of the car, suv, truck or bus pulls out from a driveway, parking lot or side street in front of the bicyclist. Too often, the driver of the vehicle causing the collision is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Tips on how to avoid getting hit by a car, truck or bus

While wearing a helmet is crucial to reducing the risk of a serious head trauma or catastrophic injury, it does little to avoid being hit by a vehicle, although a brightly colored helmet might call attention to the cyclist. Hence, it is better to ride your bicycle in ways that will avoid a collision. These tactics include:

Obey traffic laws

Use a headlight and rear light day and night

Honk or yell. Let them know you are there

Make eye contact

Ride slowly so that you can stop if the vehicle turns in front of you

Avoid the vehicle’s blind spot

Consider riding a little to the left so that you can be seen and avoid door openings

Do not ride on the sidewalk

Do not ride against traffic

Do not swerve in and out of traffic and the parking lane

Signal and look behind you before you change lanes

Try to ride less busy and wider roads

Use good judgment.

However, should the driver of the vehicle fail to use good judgment, be inattentive, negligent and cause a collision or accident, know that you can call on the Law Office of Frederick S. Schwartz for help. Your case will be carefully considered and investigated. Property damage will be inspected and analyzed. If available, witness statements will be obtained. Accident site inspections will be undertaken and photographed. Experts will be retained if needed.

Bicycle accidents and injuries are also the result of road construction negligence, product liability, defective products or negligent manufacturing or assembly.

What to do in case you are in an accident

Typically, the police will not come to the accident scene and make a report, unless one of the persons involved in the accident complains of injury. Regardless, the parties to an accident are required to exchange pertinent accident information. Experience has shown that people forget to obtain the needed information at the accident scene. Here is what you should do:

Obtain the necessary Information – Download or contact this office to obtain this customized accident brochure and accident intake form to assist you in gathering the needed information from the other driver and any witness.

Take photos. If possible, store a digital or disposable camera on your bike in order to take photographs of the accident scene, position of the vehicles, damage to the vehicles; skid marks; debris or any obstructions.

Do not discuss fault. Only exchange identification, license, registration and insurance information. Do not talk about the accident with anyone except to provide facts requested by the police or highway patrol.

If you are injured, accept medical attention.

Contact us immediately for a free case evaluation and consultation. You have the right to recover for your injuries and damages.

The Law Office of Frederick S. Schwartz has over two decades of experience in assisting his injured clients in obtaining needed medical care, getting medical bills paid, getting the bicycle quickly repaired or replaced, recovering lost wages, getting compensation for pain and suffering, holding the party or company at fault responsible and keeping the insurance company fair and accountable. As a former insurance company defense attorney, Frederick S. Schwartz has valuable insight into the mindset and frame of reference of the insurance company’s adjusters and lawyers. This gives his clients a big advantage in the negotiation, litigation, and settlement process.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident on a California highway, street or intersection, or if you have lost a family member as the result of such an accident, contact Los Angeles consumer justice attorney and personal injury lawyer Frederick Schwartz at the Law Office of Frederick S. Schwartz. Call (800) 994-4442 for a free evaluation and consultation.

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Consumer Justice Attorney

For over 25 years, Frederick S. Schwartz has used his knowledge and experience as a former insurance company attorney to the advantage of his clients in getting them the outcome they deserve. View Full Profile

Testimonials

“Attorney Fred Schwartz has been relentlessly effective in pursuit of my personal injury claim resulting in a lucrative settlement on my behalf. He was compassionate about my injury (a broken hip) and offered sage advice as to potential treatment options. I heartily recommend Fred for his services to clients.”

Paul W. Stein

“He gave me honest advise and helped me settled my claim quickly. He was very knowledgeable about how the system works and what rights I had. Most importantly, he actually got on phone promptly. Calling him saved me the hassle of dealing with insurance companies. “

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Legal Disclaimer

This website provides general information only. The information on this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney/client relationship.